MCOT partners with ETDA to launch WHAM platform
Wide range of digital content promised
State-owned broadcaster MCOT, in partnership with the Electronic Transactions Development Agency (ETDA), will launch WHAM, a platform to promote digital content e-commerce, aiming to spur media innovation and protect intellectual property rights.
The ETDA will support development of the digital platform while MCOT will be responsible for developing and managing digital content, as well as arranging activities on the platform to promote content creation.
WHAM is scheduled to launch in September this year.
On Friday, MCOT’s president and ETDA’s chief executive signed a threeyear memorandum of understanding (MoU) to develop WHAM.
MCOT president Kematat Paladesh said the broadcaster owns a variety of content on traditional media, but the company needs to partner with a practical carrier to drive and develop content into value-added channels.
MCOT operates two digital TV channels, five radio frequency ranges for FM and two AM frequency ranges. MCOT has 62 radio stations nationwide.
“WHAM will offer a wide range of entertainment content with a focus on music for the younger generation,” Mr Kematat said. “This collaboration also extends to human resource development between the two organisations.”
The collaboration between the ETDA and MCOT is in line with the Thailand 4.0 strategy, focusing on restructuring the country’s economy to become more technology- and innovation-driven.
ETDA chief executive Surangkana Wayuparb said the total value of the e-commerce market in the country last year was 3.1 trillion baht, with 15% from the sale of digital content.
The continuous growth of e-commerce in the digital industry is due to changing consumer preferences in accessing entertainment via the internet.
Online sales of music and movies last year totalled 15.6 billion baht, while online game sales tallied 6.4 billion and online learning products and related services reached 7 billion.
Mrs Surangkana said the collaboration with MCOT aims to raise awareness and understanding of the creative commons and intellectual property protection, as well as promote e-commerce in the digital content industry.